Los Cabos finished up 2023 with a splash and there is plenty more of that to come, according to Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of Los Cabos Tourism.
Talking to reporters at a year-end VIP travel industry summit, Esponda introduced a body of bold tourism statistics for the destination and talked about how these numbers have emboldened a list of new projects, concepts and tourism initiatives covering many corners of the industry in Los Cabos.
The 2023 Los Cabos visitor numbers outpaced 2022 by double digits and was expected to top out at 4 million. Air arrivals are up nearly 3 percent, tourism satisfaction is at 77 percent (much higher¡ª96 percent¡ªwhen it comes to those visiting Los Cabos for golf) and hotel rates are up slightly at a healthy $389 ADR.
And those changes do not only reflect numbers. They also reflect the types of travelers who are now choosing Los Cabos as their preferred vacation spot, said Esponda.
"Two years ago, we saw there was a big change in the profile of travelers to Los Cabos. And this was because of COVID," he noted. "One change we saw was in the age category. Before, it was the older, 50 plus travelers, who were coming. Now we are seeing that average age is 35. And that is because of all the activities you can do¡ªwhen you have zip lining and scuba diving and four-wheeling adventures in the same vacation, then it¡¯s not just the destination that your parents visit to sip wine and relax."
He added that after COVID, people were looking for a place of health, a place they could go to feel better...and not unexpectedly wellness activities in spas, retreats and health-focused tours began to increase with the times. "We saw that wellness was the secondary reason people were coming to Los Cabos but that bucket was three times what it had been before the pandemic," said Esponda.
Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director, Los Cabos Tourism Board. (Photo Credit: Los Cabos Tourism Board)
And hotels in Los Cabos followed those numbers to revamp their spas and their wellness programs with attractive reasons to book. Now, the tourism office has focused ways for matching visitors with activities and the types of vacations they seek as so many hotels, suppliers, restaurants and commercial development have come together to optimize the visitor experience in the past 24 months.
As can be expected, commercial non-stop flights, especially from the U.S. west and midwest, have been following the rising interest. Los Cabos currently sees 30 cities in the U.S. offering nonstop service to Los Cabos International Airport¡ªup from 18 such cities in 2019.
And new routes are on the way, including Las Vegas, Denver, Kansas City and St. Louis among them.
Los Cabos Luxury Factor
An additional new trend in travel to Los Cabos may become a bellwether for other destinations: Luxury Villas.
While still somewhat fragmented with a range of players managing the booking connections¡ªfrom Airbnb to hands-on concierge villa companies like Cabo Villas¡ªthese accommodations come in all shapes, sizes and sensations and add in such true vacation treasure as personal butlers, daily maid service and dedicated chefs.
The majority of these often magnificent spreads are individually owned, stunning to the eye, lavishly furnished and can accommodate three to 23 guests with private pools, Jacuzzis, ocean views and private club access, game rooms, entertainment rooms, party areas, outside kitchens and bars. It's a veritable wish list of luxury amenities that are included and can be managed according to guest needs.
Los Cabos villa master bedroom. (Photo Credit: Lark Gould)
"These villas really become cost effective when occupied by larger groups, and they are a lot more fun," says Julie Byrd, president of CaboVillas.com and fondly known as Cabo Julie to tourism staff. These accommodations come with a high nightly rate that can become quite reasonable when factoring in all the high end inclusions, security and privacy and value per person.
"Travel agents are just learning about these products but it is something they can really work with and a solution for what their Los Cabos clients are seeking," adds Byrd.
To complement this uber-luxe hospitality concept, private aviation companies are getting on board to deliver the guests. One example of such a partnership can be seen at CaboVillas.com through Aero, a semi-private aviation company with 16-seat Embraers that can fly visitors from Los Angeles and Dallas to Los Cabos with all the private air perks.
A number of other players are now entering the scene, whether semi-private jet companies like JSX or fully private charters. The private aviation industry is spurring growth at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and Cabo San Lucas International Airport (MMSL) with new terminal developments in the works.
¡°The private traveler is less than 5 percent of our business but if you think of 5 percent, that is a lot¡ªespecially in what it implies for coming in a private plane to the destination¡± says Esponda. ¡°But the significance here is not the quantity but the quality of product in the experiences, the spending and the satisfaction to be had.¡±
Evening falls in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. (Photo Credit: Lark Gould)
The model goes hand in hand with new Michelin-starred dining, magnificent shopping, and the proliferation of art galleries, farm-to-fork foodie experiences, private yachting, immersive spa days and retreats, and inspiring golf courses in one place packaged within a setting of dramatic sea swells, rolling hills and endless blue skies.
New Hotels and Resorts in Los Cabos for 2024
New developments in Los Cabos these past many months have included some impressive resort openings worth noting for current and future bookings:
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
This new all-inclusive adults-only boutique hotel is located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. It is the third Velas Resorts property in the region and offers 115 luxurious suites. The hotel features a wellness center, a spa, an infinity pool, and a choice of upscale restaurants and bars. It is the latest property to open in Los Cabos, officially opening its doors on January 8.
Park Hyatt Los Cabos
Offering a total of 163 rooms and 19 villas in the new Cabo del Sol luxury development, this property was designed with a commitment to environmental sustainability. Originally slated for a 2020 unveiling, the opening of this prestigious resort has been rescheduled and is now slated for this year. Guests can expect meticulously designed fairways and a rejuvenating spa within environmentally conscious footprint.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Cabo Del Sol
This new luxury resort is the Four Seasons¡¯ second property in Los Cabos and will open in the next few months. The resort is to feature 141 guest rooms, suites, and private residences, all with ocean views. The property also brings a Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course, a world-class spa, and five dining options.
St. Regis Los Cabos Quivira
This new luxury resort is located at the upscale development Quivira Los Cabos and will feature 120 luxury rooms and 60 residences. Guests will be pampered during their stay, as St. Regis is known for its personal butler service and fantastic spa services.
The resort also features an internationally-acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and a pristine 2.5-mile perfect beach. Although an opening date has not been set it is expected to open this year.
Soho House Beach Club
This new scene-focused property is set to open later in 2024 as part of the greater Cabo Del Sol development currently in motion in Los Cabos. The Club will be located on one of the area¡¯s most scenic beaches and is expected to offer a range of amenities, including a restaurant, palapa bar, fitness center, member retail experience, and guest rooms. The hotel will have approximately 70 rooms and operate as a boutique property.
Many know Soho House as a private members¡¯ club that has expanded into a global brand with locations in major cities around the world. The brand is known for its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere and its ability to provide guests with a home away from home. Soho House Beach Club is expected to be no different, offering guests a chance to unwind and relax in a beautiful setting.
The Amanvari
Lauded for its luxurious properties worldwide, Aman is set to open its first development in Mexico in 2025. The new resort, called Amanvari, is located on Baja¡¯s East Cape and will provide a serene and private escape from the pace of everyday life.
The resort will feature a private stretch of white sand beach along the Sea of Cort¨¦s, multiple dining venues, an Aman Spa, and private Aman Residences. Developed by Irongate and London¡¯s Heah & Co, the resort will feature 20 double-story pavilions, three luxury restaurants, and two swimming pools. The resort¡¯s location is a 45-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport, making it easily accessible to travelers.
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